2005 Windshield Cracks, Raise your hands!
#51
03-24-2005, 04:52 AM
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July 02 build, replaced windshield with PPG at 15,800. Currently I'm around 58,000 miles and no further cracks. Concerning sandblasting/pitting; My glass looks better now then the OEM glass did when it was replaced.
The PPG glass is thicker then the OEM, at least the old style glass, I haven't had the opportunity to mic a new one.
The problem with the pen test is 2-fold for me: Which came first the crack or the missing chip of glass? also with the number of miniscule little pit marks on the glass the chance of a crack passing through one of these has to be around 99.8% It's like a perverse game of connect the dots!
This hasn't stopped me from enjoying the car; as a matter of fact I'm expecting delivery of MINI #2 sometime in April. It's scheduled to leave port tomorrow. But if the windshield cracks it'll be replaced with PPG faster then you can say POS OEM glass.
The PPG glass is thicker then the OEM, at least the old style glass, I haven't had the opportunity to mic a new one.
The problem with the pen test is 2-fold for me: Which came first the crack or the missing chip of glass? also with the number of miniscule little pit marks on the glass the chance of a crack passing through one of these has to be around 99.8% It's like a perverse game of connect the dots!
This hasn't stopped me from enjoying the car; as a matter of fact I'm expecting delivery of MINI #2 sometime in April. It's scheduled to leave port tomorrow. But if the windshield cracks it'll be replaced with PPG faster then you can say POS OEM glass.
#52
03-24-2005, 07:05 AM
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STB feedback please
I was thinking that it is from the frame flexing under spirited driving. but while its parked?!?!?[/QUOTE]
this is an interesting question.There have been numerous posts about whether or not a Strut Tower Brace does anything or not in our MINIS .I'd be VERY interested to hear from those who installed STB's whether or not they've had problems with stress cracked windshields.If I thought for a minute that there were issues say with the A pillars flexing and causing premature failure of the glass,and that by installing a strut tower brace I might be able to reduce or eliminate it,I'd have one on in a heartbeat! Anyone? feedback please! Jock
this is an interesting question.There have been numerous posts about whether or not a Strut Tower Brace does anything or not in our MINIS .I'd be VERY interested to hear from those who installed STB's whether or not they've had problems with stress cracked windshields.If I thought for a minute that there were issues say with the A pillars flexing and causing premature failure of the glass,and that by installing a strut tower brace I might be able to reduce or eliminate it,I'd have one on in a heartbeat! Anyone? feedback please! Jock
#53
03-24-2005, 08:29 AM
Former Vendor
Originally Posted by holdenontoit
this is an interesting question.There have been numerous posts about whether or not a Strut Tower Brace does anything or not in our MINIS .I'd be VERY interested to hear from those who installed STB's whether or not they've had problems with stress cracked windshields.If I thought for a minute that there were issues say with the A pillars flexing and causing premature failure of the glass,and that by installing a strut tower brace I might be able to reduce or eliminate it,I'd have one on in a heartbeat! Anyone? feedback please! Jock
#55
03-24-2005, 08:46 AM
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#56
03-24-2005, 08:49 AM
#57
03-26-2005, 06:35 AM
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My theory will continue to be the combination of thin glass, soft glass, and temperature change.
Many reports of people parking in their garage with no crack and waking up to a crack (often after washing the car) - it sounds to me like going from a cool environment (outside) to a warmer environment (garage) could cause a temperature change rapid enough to make the inferior glass crack. Add a rock chip into the equation and that doesn't help. Add a previous car washing with nice cold water all over the glass and it seems even more likely.
I personally am on my fourth windshield. Would have gone with PPG, but I have rain-sensing.
Many reports of people parking in their garage with no crack and waking up to a crack (often after washing the car) - it sounds to me like going from a cool environment (outside) to a warmer environment (garage) could cause a temperature change rapid enough to make the inferior glass crack. Add a rock chip into the equation and that doesn't help. Add a previous car washing with nice cold water all over the glass and it seems even more likely.
I personally am on my fourth windshield. Would have gone with PPG, but I have rain-sensing.
#58
03-26-2005, 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by scooterboy
My theory will continue to be the combination of thin glass, soft glass, and temperature change.
Many reports of people parking in their garage with no crack and waking up to a crack (often after washing the car) - it sounds to me like going from a cool environment (outside) to a warmer environment (garage) could cause a temperature change rapid enough to make the inferior glass crack. Add a rock chip into the equation and that doesn't help. Add a previous car washing with nice cold water all over the glass and it seems even more likely.
I personally am on my fourth windshield. Would have gone with PPG, but I have rain-sensing.
Many reports of people parking in their garage with no crack and waking up to a crack (often after washing the car) - it sounds to me like going from a cool environment (outside) to a warmer environment (garage) could cause a temperature change rapid enough to make the inferior glass crack. Add a rock chip into the equation and that doesn't help. Add a previous car washing with nice cold water all over the glass and it seems even more likely.
I personally am on my fourth windshield. Would have gone with PPG, but I have rain-sensing.
As for body flex adding to the issue, it is possible and goes to the design flaw IMHO.
#59
03-26-2005, 09:47 AM
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Well:
Add me to the list of cracked windshields. I posted the statement
below on the DC Metro Forum before I came across this one. It is
obvious in my case, that the crack was caused by stress. I did not
know that these cars were having all these problems with the
front windshields. I guess there is no telling on how the dealer
will react to my claim, especially when I purchased mine out of
state. I think this is total BS and if MINI or BMW do not fix the
problem, we should inform the public about these flaws.
"Hi everyone:
I just noticed a 6 inch vertical crack on the front windshield of my
'04 MCS. The crack seems to start from the roof line and is heading towards the dash, very close to the driver's side A pilar. Can anyone explain what could've cause this? The car is only driven a couple of times a week and there are no signs that a rock even came close to the windshield. Is this a known problem with these cars or do I have bad luck? I hate to think how much it will cost to replace. Thanks in advance for your inputs."
Add me to the list of cracked windshields. I posted the statement
below on the DC Metro Forum before I came across this one. It is
obvious in my case, that the crack was caused by stress. I did not
know that these cars were having all these problems with the
front windshields. I guess there is no telling on how the dealer
will react to my claim, especially when I purchased mine out of
state. I think this is total BS and if MINI or BMW do not fix the
problem, we should inform the public about these flaws.
"Hi everyone:
I just noticed a 6 inch vertical crack on the front windshield of my
'04 MCS. The crack seems to start from the roof line and is heading towards the dash, very close to the driver's side A pilar. Can anyone explain what could've cause this? The car is only driven a couple of times a week and there are no signs that a rock even came close to the windshield. Is this a known problem with these cars or do I have bad luck? I hate to think how much it will cost to replace. Thanks in advance for your inputs."
#60
03-26-2005, 10:37 AM
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#61
03-26-2005, 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by eVal
I can't think of any reason beyond inherent design issues along with inferior glass to cause the crack at 4 days of ownership, less then 500 miles, and sitting in a Northern California garage that is within a few degrees of the same temp as the outside (and no car wash).
As for body flex adding to the issue, it is possible and goes to the design flaw IMHO.
As for body flex adding to the issue, it is possible and goes to the design flaw IMHO.
#63
03-27-2005, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by scooterboy
But what explanation besides temperature makes any sense while sitting overnight in a garage? Even design issues and inferior glass wouldn't cause spontaneous cracking while sitting still (well maybe a fluke or two, but not as many as we've seen reported here). The only variable at work while sitting overnight in a garage that I can think of is temperature (and maybe humidity). That, along with pressure from the windshield frame seems to me to be the most likely explanation when the car is at a standstill. Perhaps with the right stress along the thinner edges of the glass, a few degrees is all it takes...
#64
03-28-2005, 09:01 AM
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Well:
Went to the dealer today and the service advisor said that it
was a stress crack. he stated that he has never seen one start
from the top. In any event, the dealer will replace it under warranty.
He also said that the new windshields are better...we'll see.
Only time will tell. To the dealer's credit, the service advisor was
very cool about it. I was not expecting a smooth and courteous
service based on what I read about this issue so far. I wish good
luck to all of you with this problem.
Juan
Went to the dealer today and the service advisor said that it
was a stress crack. he stated that he has never seen one start
from the top. In any event, the dealer will replace it under warranty.
He also said that the new windshields are better...we'll see.
Only time will tell. To the dealer's credit, the service advisor was
very cool about it. I was not expecting a smooth and courteous
service based on what I read about this issue so far. I wish good
luck to all of you with this problem.
Juan
#65
03-28-2005, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by SGT_Pepper
Well:
Went to the dealer today and the service advisor said that it
was a stress crack. he stated that he has never seen one start
from the top. In any event, the dealer will replace it under warranty.
He also said that the new windshields are better...we'll see.
Only time will tell. To the dealer's credit, the service advisor was
very cool about it. I was not expecting a smooth and courteous
service based on what I read about this issue so far. I wish good
luck to all of you with this problem.
Juan
Went to the dealer today and the service advisor said that it
was a stress crack. he stated that he has never seen one start
from the top. In any event, the dealer will replace it under warranty.
He also said that the new windshields are better...we'll see.
Only time will tell. To the dealer's credit, the service advisor was
very cool about it. I was not expecting a smooth and courteous
service based on what I read about this issue so far. I wish good
luck to all of you with this problem.
Juan
Best of luck with the new glass, glad to hear they covered it for you. Just so you know the PPG glass is really good, oddly seems optically better overall - so if you do need another windshield in the future you at least know you have a good option
#66
03-28-2005, 09:41 AM
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I just submitted my complaint too
Originally Posted by Ol' Yankee
I sure hope every one with a cracked windshield files a complaint with the Feds.
Many complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may get MINI to: 1) Fix the cracks under warranty or 2) Buy better windshields.
It isn't hard. Do it on line at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Many complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may get MINI to: 1) Fix the cracks under warranty or 2) Buy better windshields.
It isn't hard. Do it on line at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Nancy Reagan, "Just Say No To Crack."
#67
03-28-2005, 10:04 AM
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Add ours to the list - crack starting just under the driver's side wiper, no sign of chip that I can see - looks like stress to me. We're 3 for 3 on broken windshields - MINI, Jeep, Pilot, all broken. Colorado is tough on glass, but I know what happened to the other two - don't know WHY the MINI broke.
Along those lines, how much is it gonna get me for a replacement? I have rain sensing - is it safe to assume that PPG won't do and that I have to get the OEM glass?
Along those lines, how much is it gonna get me for a replacement? I have rain sensing - is it safe to assume that PPG won't do and that I have to get the OEM glass?
#69
03-28-2005, 10:34 AM
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#70
03-28-2005, 12:28 PM
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Just noticed a crack in my windshield on the way back to work from lunch. Neither my passenger or I noticed it on the way to lunch. So i'm assumming it materilized while we were inside eating. The crack appears to be inside the glass. It's coming from the roof just a little off center of the windshield on the passenger side, and is probably about 4-5 inches long. I'm taking it into the dealership tomorrow morning and hopefully they will fix it 
#71
03-28-2005, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by eVal
Yeah, they told me the new windsheilds were better - then I bought a new Mini and it went fast
Best of luck with the new glass, glad to hear they covered it for you. Just so you know the PPG glass is really good, oddly seems optically better overall - so if you do need another windshield in the future you at least know you have a good option
Best of luck with the new glass, glad to hear they covered it for you. Just so you know the PPG glass is really good, oddly seems optically better overall - so if you do need another windshield in the future you at least know you have a good option
just in the case and they said that "LOS" glass is just as good. I
never heard of the brand before, but several shops told me that LOS
is equal in quality. Here on the north east, it appears that they are
getting away from PPG
#72
03-28-2005, 03:51 PM
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#73
04-04-2005, 03:54 PM
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#74
04-05-2005, 10:29 PM
Just compiling a sampling of other "Windshield Crack" threads and general window issues into this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40021
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40146
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37334
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=39024
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=39008
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=35969
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37660
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=35672
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=34113
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=32610
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=30635
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25691
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25544
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=26144
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=26559
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25516
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=24134
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25591
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25075
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=22996
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=23674
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=24351
I'll be fair, this is only in the last year and doesn't include posts before 4/04.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40021
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40146
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37334
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=39024
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=39008
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=35969
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37660
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=35672
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=34113
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=32610
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=30635
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25691
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25544
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=26144
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=26559
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25516
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=24134
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25591
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25075
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=22996
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=23674
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=24351
I'll be fair, this is only in the last year and doesn't include posts before 4/04.
#75
04-05-2005, 11:04 PM
My solution to the horrible MINI OEM windshield.
PPG.
IMHO this glass is world's better than OEM, it doesn't pit when you look at it and seems opitically superior. If MINI wanted to fix the problem with the windshield issues, replacing their pitiful (sic) supplier with one that makes higher quality glass would be a good place to start.
Now maybe this is extreme but for double protection, I decided to put on edgeguard windshield protection from board sponsor AutoClearGuard.
Installation was very easy. The edgeguard comes pre-cut in sheets which make it easy to take off and apply. Included instructions were extremely helpful and well written ("Final" install instructions the papers said). The kit consists of 6 pieces, two for the top, sides and bottom respectively.
The only changes I would say reguarding the install is to keep it all "floating" while you put one both side and lower pieces. While they're "floating" (pre-squeegied) you can line up all the pieces relative to each other and the molding, giving you the ability to properly space them and make adjustments to potentially unsymmetrical sides. The tops will fall into place once you have the other 4 pieces lined up.
Here's a picture during installation while the top was being applied.
The end result is another level of comfort with the most vunerable portions of the windshield protected. The edgeguard is optically clear (it has to be) and the line edge of the protection isn't distracting at all. The material is completely different than your typical car vinyl protection but applied exactly the same way. If you're looking for a way to protect your PPG investment or you're one of the lucky OEM windshield owners who hasn't had their's crack yet, you might want to spend a little money to prevent any dealership headaches.
THANK YOU PPG AND EDGEGUARD for making a product I could invest in than having to surrender my money to MINI for an inferior item.
IMHO this glass is world's better than OEM, it doesn't pit when you look at it and seems opitically superior. If MINI wanted to fix the problem with the windshield issues, replacing their pitiful (sic) supplier with one that makes higher quality glass would be a good place to start.
Now maybe this is extreme but for double protection, I decided to put on edgeguard windshield protection from board sponsor AutoClearGuard.
Installation was very easy. The edgeguard comes pre-cut in sheets which make it easy to take off and apply. Included instructions were extremely helpful and well written ("Final" install instructions the papers said). The kit consists of 6 pieces, two for the top, sides and bottom respectively.
The only changes I would say reguarding the install is to keep it all "floating" while you put one both side and lower pieces. While they're "floating" (pre-squeegied) you can line up all the pieces relative to each other and the molding, giving you the ability to properly space them and make adjustments to potentially unsymmetrical sides. The tops will fall into place once you have the other 4 pieces lined up.
Here's a picture during installation while the top was being applied.
The end result is another level of comfort with the most vunerable portions of the windshield protected. The edgeguard is optically clear (it has to be) and the line edge of the protection isn't distracting at all. The material is completely different than your typical car vinyl protection but applied exactly the same way. If you're looking for a way to protect your PPG investment or you're one of the lucky OEM windshield owners who hasn't had their's crack yet, you might want to spend a little money to prevent any dealership headaches.
THANK YOU PPG AND EDGEGUARD for making a product I could invest in than having to surrender my money to MINI for an inferior item.
